topic Re: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN? in Fios Internethttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735071#M50173
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<P>The Netflix / FIOS issue has been going on for months and it is a well-documented fact that a VPN will alleviate the issue. My suggestion to you is google&nbsp; "Netflix FIOS VPN”.</P>
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<P>The fact that you have not had the issue is not relevant. I have not either, Netflix works great for me with FIOS, Google, or Level 3 DNS, probably because this issue has nothing to do with DNS.</P>
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<P>Again google is your friend, do some research and what you will see is hundreds of people are having issues with Netflix on FIOS, they post here, on DSLR, blogs etc etc. What is pretty obvious if you do a bit of research is that the issue is geographical.&nbsp;&nbsp; Some parts of the country have a lot more congestion than others.&nbsp; Be glad you don't live in one of those areas.</P>
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<P>"Is Netflix's CDN routing affected by the DNS server you use? I'm not a Netflix user but some in the household are, so I better ask, wifey might not cook dinner. <IMG src="http://i.dslr.net/v2/lite/wink.gif" border="0" width="15" />"</P>
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<P>"No. DNS is for when your computer is looking for something, when the data is coming the other way, its up to the sender what the route will be"</P>
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<P>" So, if you click for a movie title the DNS server doesn't look for the nearest/closest Netflix CDN? If not, who determines the nearest/closest CDN server for us?"</P>
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<P>"When you click, that is an application on the Netflix server which decides on their end how to send the movie stream to your device based on IP address which it already has.<STRONG> DNS is never used in this process</STRONG>"</P>
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<P><A href="http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29341990-Networking-1st-Proof-of-Verizon-Netflix-Direct-Peering-~start=90" target="_blank">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29341990-Networking-1st-Proof-of-Verizon-Netflix-Direct-Peering-~start=90</A></P>
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<P>&nbsp;</P>Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:11:46 GMTdb9092014-08-26T02:11:46ZWhy are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/733515#M50083
<P>When I stream Netflix I never get HD playback.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If I turn on my VPN, all of a sudden I get HD playback.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If I monitor my network activity I can physically observe significantly greater network activity after enabling my VPN.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Why is the data from&nbsp;certain websites like Netflix significantly slower when Verizon knows the origin of the data?</P>Fri, 22 Aug 2014 20:40:55 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/733515#M50083woodsja2014-08-22T20:40:55ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/733729#M50091
<P>There are some known congestion issues between Verizon and some other networks due to the data&nbsp;explosion caused by services such as Netflix. Netflix, being one the biggest players in this has signed deals with Verizon to take dedicated paths in and out of the Verizon network rather than travel over common Internet transit that other websites must share.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>The reason the VPN works better is due to both the path between you and the VPN being in better shape, and the VPN endpoint and whatever site you're trying to visit having a non-congested route. There isn't throttling or shaping taking place that would be causing this.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>For Netflix, sit tight. Many locatons are now reporting direct routes showing up for streaming, and playback is starting to flip to HD almost immediately. Performance may be inconsistent for some time until Netflix figures out how to optimally load both their direct circuits, and their general transit. The same goes with Verizon as they have to adjust their network to deal with demands from customers.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>For the rest of the traffic, one heavier services like Netflix are reduced to dedicated transit, these services should improve.</P>Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:59:20 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/733729#M50091Smith66122014-08-23T02:59:20ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/733775#M50093
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="206701"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>When I stream Netflix I never get HD playback.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If I turn on my VPN, all of a sudden I get HD playback.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If I monitor my network activity I can physically observe significantly greater network activity after enabling my VPN.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Why is the data from&nbsp;certain websites like Netflix significantly slower when Verizon knows the origin of the data?</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;Think "FIOS Redbox"</P>Sat, 23 Aug 2014 05:35:49 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/733775#M50093db9092014-08-23T05:35:49ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/734221#M50124
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="206701"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>When I stream Netflix I never get HD playback.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If I turn on my VPN, all of a sudden I get HD playback.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If I monitor my network activity I can physically observe significantly greater network activity after enabling my VPN.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Why is the data from&nbsp;certain websites like Netflix significantly slower when Verizon knows the origin of the data?</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Because you're vpn is using different dns servers which give you a better path.</P><P>You'll probably get the same effect by changing your local dns from the verizon dns server to open dns or google.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>I suspect that's why I don't and never have had any netflix issues.</P>Sun, 24 Aug 2014 14:37:34 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/734221#M50124viafax9992014-08-24T14:37:34ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/734253#M50126
<P>It has nothing to do with DNS otherwise people would just change their DNS to google or Level 3 etc.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>"Using a VPN hides the kind of traffic you're using, so ISPs can't <A target="_blank" href="http://www.itworld.com/consumerization-it/417281/why-your-neflix-hulu-youtube-and-other-video-streaming-might-slow-down">discriminate against high-bandwith ones</A>—not just Netflix, but possibly other streaming services like Hulu or YouTube"</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://lifehacker.com/use-a-vpn-to-bypass-your-isps-throttling-of-netflix-or-1608538080">http://lifehacker.com/use-a-vpn-to-bypass-your-isps-throttling-of-netflix-or-1608538080</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Sun, 24 Aug 2014 15:43:38 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/734253#M50126db9092014-08-24T15:43:38ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/734607#M50152
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="179215"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />
<P>It has nothing to do with DNS otherwise people would just change their DNS to google or Level 3 etc.</P>
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<P>"Using a VPN hides the kind of traffic you're using, so ISPs can't <A href="http://www.itworld.com/consumerization-it/417281/why-your-neflix-hulu-youtube-and-other-video-streaming-might-slow-down" target="_blank">discriminate against high-bandwith ones</A>—not just Netflix, but possibly other streaming services like Hulu or YouTube"</P>
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<P><A href="http://lifehacker.com/use-a-vpn-to-bypass-your-isps-throttling-of-netflix-or-1608538080" target="_blank">http://lifehacker.com/use-a-vpn-to-bypass-your-isps-throttling-of-netflix-or-1608538080</A></P>
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<P>I have and never have had any netflix issues since getting rid of Verizon dns servers.</P>
<P>Maybe the OP who said that it worked fine with a vpn could change his dns servers to see if that also resolves the issues and report back.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:09:14 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/734607#M50152viafax9992014-08-26T02:09:14ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735071#M50173
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<P>The Netflix / FIOS issue has been going on for months and it is a well-documented fact that a VPN will alleviate the issue. My suggestion to you is google&nbsp; "Netflix FIOS VPN”.</P>
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<P>The fact that you have not had the issue is not relevant. I have not either, Netflix works great for me with FIOS, Google, or Level 3 DNS, probably because this issue has nothing to do with DNS.</P>
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<P>Again google is your friend, do some research and what you will see is hundreds of people are having issues with Netflix on FIOS, they post here, on DSLR, blogs etc etc. What is pretty obvious if you do a bit of research is that the issue is geographical.&nbsp;&nbsp; Some parts of the country have a lot more congestion than others.&nbsp; Be glad you don't live in one of those areas.</P>
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<P>"Is Netflix's CDN routing affected by the DNS server you use? I'm not a Netflix user but some in the household are, so I better ask, wifey might not cook dinner. <IMG src="http://i.dslr.net/v2/lite/wink.gif" border="0" width="15" />"</P>
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<P>"No. DNS is for when your computer is looking for something, when the data is coming the other way, its up to the sender what the route will be"</P>
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<P>" So, if you click for a movie title the DNS server doesn't look for the nearest/closest Netflix CDN? If not, who determines the nearest/closest CDN server for us?"</P>
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<P>"When you click, that is an application on the Netflix server which decides on their end how to send the movie stream to your device based on IP address which it already has.<STRONG> DNS is never used in this process</STRONG>"</P>
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<P><A href="http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29341990-Networking-1st-Proof-of-Verizon-Netflix-Direct-Peering-~start=90" target="_blank">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29341990-Networking-1st-Proof-of-Verizon-Netflix-Direct-Peering-~start=90</A></P>
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<P>&nbsp;</P>Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:11:46 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735071#M50173db9092014-08-26T02:11:46ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735151#M50178
<P>I can confirm that the issue you experience with netflix is entirely due to verizon and there is no other outside issue. Verizon is purposely causing a bottleneck with any traffic from netflix. They are basically extoring money from netflix demanding netflix pay for the traffic we're already paying for with our monthly fees otherwise they wont remove the bottleneck.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>It's litterally something as simple as verizon need to stick in a few extra network cards/routers to fix the problem - a problem netflix has offered to pay for and do itself and verizon has refused - until netflix finally agreed to pay their extortion fees.&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>The reason it works when you go over a vpn is the traffic is getting routed differently over verizon's network. The bottleneck verizon has created only effects traffic fron netflix. When you use your vpn, the traffic as far as verizon can tell is just coming from the vpn server. So no bottleneck.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>I've tested this myself using the vpn service from vypr vpn. This was just before netflix caved in and agreed to pay verizon's extortion fees. &nbsp;Since then my netflix playback has improved without needing to use the vpn service.</P>Tue, 26 Aug 2014 03:32:22 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735151#M50178merk2014-08-26T03:32:22ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735345#M50188
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="179215"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>"No. DNS is for when your computer is looking for something, when the data is coming the other way, its up to the sender what the route will be"</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>" So, if you click for a movie title the DNS server doesn't look for the nearest/closest Netflix CDN? If not, who determines the nearest/closest CDN server for us?"</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>"When you click, that is an application on the Netflix server which decides on their end how to send the movie stream to your device based on IP address which it already has.<STRONG> DNS is never used in this process</STRONG>"</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29341990-Networking-1st-Proof-of-Verizon-Netflix-Direct-Peering-~start=90">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29341990-Networking-1st-Proof-of-Verizon-Netflix-Direct-Peering-~start=90</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>I dont' really feel like arguing the point , however<BR />I suspect that what you said here isn't true. &nbsp;If the OP connects via a vpn and makes a netflix request the data is going to come back to him via the vpn route - no way would that vpn allow unsolicited traffic.</P></BLOCKQUOTE><BLOCKQUOTE>Similarly I would also believe that netflix would not send me unsolicited traffic but would reply to the netflix connection created by the netflix client request from my device.</BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P>Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:01:29 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735345#M50188viafax9992014-08-26T18:01:29ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735667#M50198
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="40167"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><BR /><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>I dont' really feel like arguing the point , however<BR />I suspect that what you said here isn't true. &nbsp;If the OP connects via a vpn and makes a netflix request the data is going to come back to him via the vpn route - no way would that vpn allow unsolicited traffic.</P></BLOCKQUOTE><BLOCKQUOTE>Similarly I would also believe that netflix would not send me unsolicited traffic but would reply to the netflix connection created by the netflix client request from my device.</BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Believe/suspect what you wish, but before you invent how things should work please research before you give advice here.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>It would be great if you gave a link to a source that DNS will somehow fix this specific issue.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>DNS has nothing to do with this and will not fix this issue.&nbsp; I have been following this issue for 2 years and I find it reprehensible that ISPs are using their customers as pawns to get their issues with Netflix addressed.&nbsp; They are a lot smarter than to be out foxed by a simple DNS change.</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:17:40 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/735667#M50198db9092014-08-27T02:17:40ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736599#M50238
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<P>Sorry... that is a theory made up by Netflix themselves. They want you to believe there are only a few paths to reach ISPs when the reality is there are many peers and Netflix chose <STRONG>specific ones</STRONG> to arbitrarily swing 1/3 of the Internet to and congest. Check here for a list of Tier 1s and Tier 2s that can be used... Surprisingly there are many that others seem to use successfully<BR /><BR />»<A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tier_1_network#List_of_tier_1_networks" target="_blank">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tier_1_net···networks</A><BR /><BR />They made up the peering issue (which appears to be limited to their decisions) as part of their negotiations...<BR /><BR />Just like they made up that payment was unprecedented when every one of their competitors, hosting sites, CDNs, web servers actually do buy quality transit from these "secret peers that magically have capacity to ISPs"<BR /><BR />Just like they made up that your ISP can only deliver 2mbps, when all other independent measurements say 20-30mbps.<BR /><BR />Just like they made up that OpenConnect is a new idea that needs special government support, when in fact Akamai started using the exact same technology and business model back in the late 90's<BR /><BR />Just like they made up that ISPs are degrading service, when in fact it is Netflix that is using <A href="http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29147243-" target="_blank">Peering Playbook Tactic #9</A> to cause customer problems as part of negotiations.<BR /><BR />There is a lot of fiction in Netflix's statements if are willing to see it...</P>
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<P>&nbsp;</P>Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:05:41 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736599#M50238Hubrisnxs2014-08-28T21:05:41ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736709#M50242
<P>Here's a great article from Sandvine on the Netflix over a VPN and Why it might work better in some cases.</P>
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<P><SPAN style="text-decoration: underline;"><SPAN style="color: #0066cc;">Video Provider and VPNs </SPAN></SPAN></P>
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<P>Before we dig deeper, the two key things you need to know about packet delivery on the Internet are as follows:</P>
<P>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The sender (Netflix) chooses the path for all packets</P>
<P>2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Networks are not normally intelligent enough to route around congestion</P>
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<P>...</P>
<P><STRONG>For those readers, who may immediately jump to the cause of lower quality video being a consumer ISP throttling traffic, know that even the</STRONG> <A href="http://recode.net/2014/02/11/netflix-says-verizon-isnt-slowing-down-its-streams/" target="_blank">CEO of Netflix doesn’t think this is the case.</A></P>
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<P>...</P>
<P>So will a VPN will give some people a better video experience? Yes.</P>
<P>Will it improve video quality for the vast majority of subscribers? Likely not.</P>
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<P>&nbsp;And here's a more authoritative test conducted, with large samplings of customers.</P>
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<P><A href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/02/05/verizon_throttle_denial/" target="_blank">Verizon: Us throttling AWS and Netflix? Not likely</A></P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 00:06:39 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736709#M50242Hubrisnxs2014-08-29T00:06:39ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736717#M50243
<P>And what was said about DNS servers achieving the same outcome as VPN's is also true, and a better experience.&nbsp; VPN's are naturally very slow.</P>
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<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />&nbsp;Using a standalone DNS provider instead of your ISP's DNS can sometimes change where your streaming data comes from. "You're effectively lying to their system and pretending to be somewhere else," he said. "It's exactly the same effect, it's achieved differently, you don't actually use a VPN or a tunnel." Streaming services may use DNS-based geo-location to figure out an optimal path to send traffic. Tricking the geo-location system can result in the data being sent from a different location and along a different path.<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Thu, 28 Aug 2014 23:37:47 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736717#M50243Hubrisnxs2014-08-28T23:37:47ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736745#M50245
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>And what was said about DNS servers achieving the same outcome as VPN's is also true, and a better experience.&nbsp; VPN's are naturally very slow.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><BLOCKQUOTE><HR />&nbsp;Using a standalone DNS provider instead of your ISP's DNS can sometimes change where your streaming data comes from. "You're effectively lying to their system and pretending to be somewhere else," he said. "It's exactly the same effect, it's achieved differently, you don't actually use a VPN or a tunnel." Streaming services may use DNS-based geo-location to figure out an optimal path to send traffic. Tricking the geo-location system can result in the data being sent from a different location and along a different path.<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>i'm sorry - how does dns effect where a server thinks you are? As far as I know, netflix has no clue what DNS i use. The communication with the name server and myself is just between myself and the name server. How does changing name servers change where netflix (or any other server out there) thinks I am located?</P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 00:09:59 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736745#M50245merk2014-08-29T00:09:59ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736755#M50247
<P>that's pretty much how CDN's work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Netflix knows where the DNS server is located by geolocate services. it actively uses DNS geo locate services to determine how to send you a movie.</P>
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<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="189169"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />
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<P>The way a CDN works is as follows: companies relying on CDN based delivery of their contents will manage their domains through a CDN provider. When a request comes for say <CODE>domain D</CODE>, a machine will contact its configured DNS server and will be directed to the "authoritative entity" for the domain <CODE>D</CODE> in question. From this point, the CDN DNS server can reply with an answer that provides a binding to an IP address "closest" to where the request originated.</P>
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<P>&nbsp;</P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 00:57:16 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736755#M50247Hubrisnxs2014-08-29T00:57:16ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736787#M50252
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>that's pretty much how CDN's work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Netflix knows where the DNS server is located by geolocate services. it actively uses DNS geo locate services to determine how to send you a movie.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="189169"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><P>The way a CDN works is as follows: companies relying on CDN based delivery of their contents will manage their domains through a CDN provider. When a request comes for say domain D, a machine will contact its configured DNS server and will be directed to the "authoritative entity" for the domain D in question. From this point, the CDN DNS server can reply with an answer that provides a binding to an IP address "closest" to where the request originated.</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>That doesn't really make sense. Many people use the same name server and are scattered all over the country. For example, you can use opendns which is a free dns service. If what you described were true, then everyone using that name would ALL appear to be coming from the same location because they are all using that name server.&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:13:01 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736787#M50252merk2014-08-29T01:13:01ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736789#M50253
<P>I also wanted to make a comment regarding the people who are saying the slow down isn't verizon's fault and the netflix is misleading people.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>if that were true, how did verizon manage to fix the issue so quickly as soon as netflix agreed to pay verizon? Netflix said it was simply a matter of basically installing extra network cards. Something that can be done in a few hours. Not to mention - aren't we already paying for the data? Does the post office charge the person who receives the letter a fee as well?</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Personally i think verizon just saw a chance to use it's own users as hostages to extort some money out of netflix so that we could use the service we already pay for. In the end we'll be the ones paying extra since netflix will at some point have to increase it's prices to cover these costs.</P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:16:58 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736789#M50253merk2014-08-29T01:16:58ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736795#M50255
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="189169"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />
<P>I also wanted to make a comment regarding the people who are saying the slow down isn't verizon's fault and the netflix is misleading people.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>if that were true, (1) <STRONG>how did verizon manage to fix the issue so quickly as soon as netflix agreed to pay verizon</STRONG>? <STRONG>(2) Netflix said it was simply a matter of basically installing extra network cards</STRONG>. Something that can be done in a few hours. Not to mention -<STRONG> (3) aren't we already paying for the data?</STRONG> Does the post office charge the person who receives the letter a fee as well?</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Personally i think verizon just saw a chance to use it's own users as hostages to extort some money out of netflix so that we could use the service we already pay for. In the end we'll be the ones paying extra since netflix will at some point have to increase it's prices to cover these costs.</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>Verizon hasn't resolved the issue yet, and most posters here complain about the snail's pace that Verizon is acting on<BR />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; See this forum post for proof&nbsp; <SPAN style="font-size: 10pt;"><A href="http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29341990-Networking-1st-Proof-of-Verizon-Netflix-Direct-Peering-" target="_blank"><STRONG><SPAN>[Networking] 1st Proof of Verizon / Netflix Direct Peering????</SPAN></STRONG></A></SPAN></P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Netflix never said that, Level 3 Said that, and Verizon Reminded them pretty quickly that they were making the same complaint months earlier.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>You are paying for your data, and you are paying Netflix for their movie.&nbsp; Netflix needs an ISP too.&nbsp; The ISP that they choose is performing slow.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Netflix has had 3 recent price hikes, that I remember.&nbsp; and I am still P.O.&nbsp;at them for both.&nbsp; The first one they took away my disk delivery and left me with streaming only, offering nicely to double my monthly fee to keep the disk delivery, and then recently they did a 1.00 increase on all users, got beat up in the media pretty bad, and then changed their minds.&nbsp; and now a new email was sent to me that I'll keep my price for x amount of months before they increase it again.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Netflix could fix this very easily with a few clicks of their mouse, they are taking a page out of a dubious peering play handbook that outlines how they artificially create choke points, to force ISP's to foot the bill for them.&nbsp;&nbsp; Eearlier it was mentioned, but it bears repeating</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>"Just like they (Netflix)&nbsp;made up that ISPs are degrading service, when in fact it is Netflix that is using <A href="http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29147243-" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Peering Playbook Tactic #9</A> to cause customer problems as part of negotiations."</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;A good point is brought up at the link if you click it</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />Netflix has many ways to deliver video to FiOS customers. They can use any of the major CDNs or choose to use dozens of transit ISPs (similar to the other CDNs).<BR /><BR /><STRONG><SPAN style="text-decoration: underline;">It appears Netflix is using (vs avoiding) congested peering points</SPAN>.</STRONG> We keep talking Level 3 and Cogent, but what about all the others transit options for someone as large as Netflix? If all peering points were congested, wouldn't all CDNs and Internet sites have problems?<BR /><BR />It seems to me CDNs have been avoiding congestion for many, many years and there is no reason Netflix can't fix this for their customers.<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:52:02 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736795#M50255Hubrisnxs2014-08-29T01:52:02ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736797#M50256
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="189169"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />
<P>that's pretty much how CDN's work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Netflix knows where the DNS server is located by geolocate services. it actively uses DNS geo locate services to determine how to send you a movie.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="189169"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />
<P>The way a CDN works is as follows: companies relying on CDN based delivery of their contents will manage their domains through a CDN provider. When a request comes for say domain D, a machine will contact its configured DNS server and will be directed to the "authoritative entity" for the domain D in question. From this point, the CDN DNS server can reply with an answer that provides a binding to an IP address "closest" to where the request originated.</P>
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</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>That doesn't really make sense. Many people use the same name server and are scattered all over the country. For example, you can use opendns which is a free dns service. If what you described were true, then everyone using that name would ALL appear to be coming from the same location because they are all using that name server.&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P><BR />Like I said, that's exactly how they work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; most people are NOT using open dns or google, they are using the DNS for the area they are in based on what Verizon Gives them.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P><A href="http://www.nczonline.net/blog/2011/11/29/how-content-delivery-networks-cdns-work/" target="_blank"><SPAN style="color: #1020d0;">How content delivery networks (</SPAN><STRONG><SPAN style="font-family: Segoe UI Semibold; color: #1020d0;">CDNs</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN style="color: #1020d0;">) </SPAN><STRONG><SPAN style="font-family: Segoe UI Semibold; color: #1020d0;">work</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN style="color: #1020d0;"> | NCZOnline</SPAN></A></P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Open DNS Advertises that they give you a <A href="http://www.opendns.com/premium-dns/" target="_blank">faster web browsing experience</A>, ever wonder how?</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><STRONG>Speed up your Internet experience</STRONG>
<P>OpenDNS’s 23 global data centers are strategically located at the most well-connected intersections of the Internet. Unlike other providers, OpenDNS’s network uses sophisticated Anycast routing technology, which means no matter where you are in the world, your DNS requests are answered by the datacenter closest to you. Combined with the largest DNS caches in the industry, OpenDNS provides you with DNS responses faster than anyone else</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;Mind you, people that use open dns likely won't see any difference, but if they choose a dns server in another state, or even a different timezone, then Netflix is going to see that and route your traffic differently.&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Remember, &nbsp;the two key things you need to know about packet delivery on the Internet are as follows:</P>
<P>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The sender (Netflix)&nbsp;chooses the path for all packets</P>
<P>2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Networks are not normally intelligent enough to route around congestion</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Verizon doesn't choose how Netflix sends YOU information.&nbsp;&nbsp; Netflix does.&nbsp;</P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:46:59 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736797#M50256Hubrisnxs2014-08-29T01:46:59ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736807#M50257
<P>Boy you just don't know when to give up.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Many of your apparently copy and pasted comments are not supported by a working link.&nbsp; So we have no idea what the source is or even is one exists.&nbsp; see "<SPAN style="text-decoration: underline;"><SPAN style="color: #0066cc;">Video Provider and VPNs </SPAN></SPAN>"</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>You are confusing "domain" with "domain name system" aka DNS.&nbsp; Two different things.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Regardless, even if what you are saying is true, which it isn't, you have missed the whole point.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>The reason a VPN works is that FIOS cannot determine the origin of the video stream.&nbsp;&nbsp; All they know is that it is coming from VPN Company X.&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If you are not on a VPN, FIOS knows the stream is coming from Netflix.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>In terms of DNS:</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>"the Domain Name System is that it serves as the <A target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_directory">phone book</A> for the Internet by translating human-friendly computer <A target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostname">hostnames</A> into IP addresses. "</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>As an example when you type in netflix.com the DNS server looks up the IP and sends you there.&nbsp; If you knew the ip for a given web site you could type that IP into your browser and arrive at the same place.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>When Netflix's sends a movie <STRONG>to</STRONG> you, they are sending to your IP, not a web site name. &nbsp; There is no need for DNS, again DNS is to translate a site's name into an IP.&nbsp; Besides 99% of residential users don't have a&nbsp; website name associated with their dynamic IP, that FIOS reserves the right to change at anytime but rarely does.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If you wish to defend FIOS in their battle with Netflix, start a new thread.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Trying to change the discussion away from your erroneous suggestion that changing DNS will fix Netflix issues while self-serving provides no value to the rest of us. It won’t work.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 02:03:40 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736807#M50257db9092014-08-29T02:03:40ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736863#M50259
Honestly I wish u were as well versed in the technology and topic as you think you are. <BR /><BR /><A href="http://www.internetphenomena.com/2014/07/video-provider-and-vpns/" target="_blank">http://www.internetphenomena.com/2014/07/video-provider-and-vpns/</A><BR /><BR /><BR />That isn't why vpn's fix the problem for a small amount of users. The information is our there. Unfortunately it doesn't look like you care to understand it. Cognitive dissonance?Fri, 29 Aug 2014 03:36:54 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736863#M50259Hubrisnxs2014-08-29T03:36:54ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736867#M50261
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />Honestly I wish u were as well versed in the technology and topic as you think you are.<BR /><BR /><A target="_blank" href="http://www.internetphenomena.com/2014/07/video-provider-and-vpns/">http://www.internetphenomena.com/2014/07/video-provider-and-vpns/</A><BR /><BR /><BR />That isn't why vpn's fix the problem for a small amount of users. The information is our there. Unfortunately it doesn't look like you care to understand it. Cognitive dissonance?<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I'm not having much luck finding the article right now, but if i find it i'll link it. I did read an article a few weeks ago, which if i remember correctly was posted by netflix itself, explaining that the issue was that verizon needed to install some additional hardware to increase the bandwidth between netflix and verizon and that verizon refused to do so even though this equipment only costs a few thousand dollars, which for a company of it's size, is peanuts for verizon.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Not only that, but netflix offered to buy and install the equipment on it's own without it costing verizon anything, and verizon still refused.&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>It might have also been level 3 who said all this rather then netflix. If i remember correctly, the issue was basically as simple as installing some additional network cards so that that could increase the bandwidth between level3 and verizon. again, the cost was trivial and someone else (netflix or level3) offered to pay for it.&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>So unless that was a lie, I don't see how this is anything other then verizon's attemp to get someone to pay for the same data twice - essentially they are charging you coming and going.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Personally, i like the way google handles this sort of issue on it's fiber network - they just let netflix stick a couple of servers that hosts netflix content directly in their facility so that all video streams directly over google's network. And they do this at no charge to netflix.&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Rather doubt verizon or any of the other major consumer ISP's will do this.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P><STRONG>EDIT</STRONG>: i found the link - and it was level 3 which posted this an offered to foot the bill and do the equipment install.</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://blog.level3.com/global-connectivity/verizons-accidental-mea-culpa/">http://blog.level3.com/global-connectivity/verizons-accidental-mea-culpa/</A></P>Fri, 29 Aug 2014 06:12:42 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736867#M50261merk2014-08-29T06:12:42ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736929#M50264
<A href="http://publicpolicy.verizon.com/blog/entry/level-3s-selective-amnesia-on-peering" target="_blank">http://publicpolicy.verizon.com/blog/entry/level-3s-selective-amnesia-on-peering</A><BR /><BR /><BR />Most people have a short attention span, and Level 3, with their publicity stunt was counting on that. <BR /><BR />Fri, 29 Aug 2014 13:19:24 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/736929#M50264Hubrisnxs2014-08-29T13:19:24ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738125#M50319
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />Honestly I wish u were as well versed in the technology and topic as you think you are.<BR /><BR /><A target="_blank" href="http://www.internetphenomena.com/2014/07/video-provider-and-vpns/">http://www.internetphenomena.com/2014/07/video-provider-and-vpns/</A><BR /><BR /><BR />That isn't why vpn's fix the problem for a small amount of users. The information is our there. Unfortunately it doesn't look like you care to understand it. Cognitive dissonance?<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>What does this have to do with your erroneous statement that changing DNS would fix Netfix streaming issues?</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>There is no need tro attack people and change the subject when you are dead wrong.</P>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:16:17 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738125#M50319db9092014-09-01T14:16:17ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738225#M50323
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><A target="_blank" href="http://publicpolicy.verizon.com/blog/entry/level-3s-selective-amnesia-on-peering">http://publicpolicy.verizon.com/blog/entry/level-3s-selective-amnesia-on-peering</A><BR /><BR /><BR />Most people have a short attention span, and Level 3, with their publicity stunt was counting on that.<BR /><BR /><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I'm sorry - but that's a weak&nbsp;response for several reasons.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>1. it would have cost verizon a few thousand dollars to solve the problem. A few thousand dollars is peanuts to a company the size of verizon</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>2. level3 offered to buy the equipment AND install it - so it actually would have cost verizon nothing, and verizon still refused to do this</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>3. verizon says they are solving the problem by plugging in netflix's content servers directly into verizon's network. It makes no mention of expanding it's own network. Which means it's own network is capable of handling the additional traffic. &nbsp;So why couldn't verizon just let level3 pay for and install the equipment?</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>4. on a small side note - google also allows netflix to install their content servers directly on the google fiber network. But with one small difference - they aren't charging netflix for this, they are doing it for free. Server hosting costs are pretty neglible</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>So how is level3 trying to get a free ride if they offered to pay for and install the needed equipment?&nbsp;</P>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 18:22:52 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738225#M50323merk2014-09-01T18:22:52ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738257#M50329
<P>O_o&nbsp;</P>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:44:11 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738257#M50329Hubrisnxs2014-09-01T19:44:11ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738261#M50330
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Do you really think that is all it costs to increase bandwidth for hundreds of thousands of subscribers streaming HD and super HD video??&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>If that is the case then why is anyone messing around with fios?&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:49:42 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738261#M50330Hubrisnxs2014-09-01T19:49:42ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738299#M50336
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Do you really think that is all it costs to increase bandwidth for hundreds of thousands of subscribers streaming HD and super HD video??&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If that is the case then why is anyone messing around with fios?&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I feel like you're avoiding the question now.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>yes, that's all it costs for a couple of network cards even ones handling that amount of bandwidth.</P>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 22:19:48 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738299#M50336merk2014-09-01T22:19:48ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738307#M50337
<P>Heck, let's go into business together then. &nbsp; &nbsp;I can't get that kind of deal on free bandwidth, and if you can then we'll be rich by the end of the year.&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:16:10 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738307#M50337Hubrisnxs2014-09-03T13:16:10ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738323#M50343
<P>Also. &nbsp;I'm not avoiding a question. &nbsp; It was answered by level3 themselves. Who better to answer that than the parties in question?&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 22:40:05 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/738323#M50343Hubrisnxs2014-09-01T22:40:05ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/739737#M50491
<P>I don't see where amongst your numerous posts any links to substantiate your assertion that changing DNS would fix the Netflix streaming issue.</P>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 02:38:05 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/739737#M50491db9092014-09-05T02:38:05ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/739753#M50494
<P>Just a reminder folks that the forum guidelines require that you be courteous and polite in your discussions.</P>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 03:11:50 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/739753#M50494ElizabethS2014-09-05T03:11:50ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/739953#M50517
<P>I gave it in the internet phenomena link</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Back in May, <A href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/netflix-slow-on-verizon-or-comcast-a-vpn-might-speed-up-that-video/" target="_blank">Sandvine’s CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars Technica’s Jon Brodkin</A>, about why Netflix performance improves on some ISPs when using a VPN.</P>
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<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />
<P>What's clear is that <EM>somewhere</EM> in the path from Netflix servers to consumers' homes, there is congestion. It's also clear that some people have improved their own streaming video by using VPNs (virtual private networks) or third-party DNS (Domain Name System) services.<STRONG>&nbsp;(UnblockUs, mentioned above, is not technically a VPN service but it achieves a similar effect by&nbsp;<A href="http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/291515-how-is-unblock-us-different-from-a-vpn-service-" target="_blank">changing your DNS settings</A>.)</STRONG></P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P></P>
<H2>Routing around congestion</H2>
<P>Sandvine cofounder and CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars this week about why VPN and DNS services can help relieve congestion for certain users. He also talked about the types of shady tactics both video streaming providers and ISPs could employ in their ongoing battles and how that could harm home Internet users.</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:33:51 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/739953#M50517Hubrisnxs2014-09-05T19:33:51ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740013#M50520
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>I gave it in the internet phenomena link</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Back in May, <A target="_blank" href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/netflix-slow-on-verizon-or-comcast-a-vpn-might-speed-up-that-video/">Sandvine’s CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars Technica’s Jon Brodkin</A>, about why Netflix performance improves on some ISPs when using a VPN.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><P>What's clear is that <EM>somewhere</EM> in the path from Netflix servers to consumers' homes, there is congestion. It's also clear that some people have improved their own streaming video by using VPNs (virtual private networks) or third-party DNS (Domain Name System) services.<STRONG>&nbsp;(UnblockUs, mentioned above, is not technically a VPN service but it achieves a similar effect by&nbsp;<A target="_blank" href="http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/291515-how-is-unblock-us-different-from-a-vpn-service-">changing your DNS settings</A>.)</STRONG></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Routing around congestion<P>Sandvine cofounder and CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars this week about why VPN and DNS services can help relieve congestion for certain users. He also talked about the types of shady tactics both video streaming providers and ISPs could employ in their ongoing battles and how that could harm home Internet users.</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I never heard of or used unblockus before this. I took at look at their website and it's clear they are doing more then just changing your DNS since you are in fact setting up a VPN network connection in order to use their service.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Doing a bit a googling though and it's clear that changing your DNS to use unblockus name server is NOT the same as just using another other name server. When you use unblockus's name server and you try to access a site that they support, their name server will return the address of unblockus's proxy server rather then the address of whatever site you are trying to visit.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>So for example lets say <A target="_blank" href="http://www.netflix.com's">www.netflix.com's</A> address was 1.2.3.4. Normally any name server will return that address. When you use unblockus (assuming they support netflix) their name server will return the address of their proxy server, which lets say is &nbsp;5.6.7.8. Their proxy server requests the content from netflix on your behalf and then forwards it to you.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>So the traffic from netflix roughly flows like this:</P><P>1.2.3.4 (netflix) ---&gt; 5.6.7.8 (unblockus proxy server) --&gt; (you)</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>It ONLY does this because unblockus has a proxy server set up and their name server is set to return this proxy address for any sites they support. if they don't support the site, their name server returns the direct address of whatever site you are trying to reach</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>This is NOT how 99% of the name servers out there work. So this article doesn't really show that changing your name server will have any impact on streaming media, not unless it's something special like unblockus</P>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:34:23 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740013#M50520merk2014-09-05T20:34:23ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740129#M50530
<P>There is only one CDN provider (that I am familiar with) &nbsp;that tries to not use DNS for their Geo Locate service and they consider themselves cutting edge.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Sorry it's just how it works, you have a plethora of info and google as a resource,&nbsp;&nbsp; feel free to use it,</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<H1><A href="http://www.nczonline.net/blog/2011/11/29/how-content-delivery-networks-cdns-work/" target="_blank">How content delivery networks (CDNs) work</A></H1>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />
<P>When the browser makes a DNS request for a domain name that is handled by a CDN, there is a slightly different process than with small, one-IP sites. The server handling DNS requests for the domain name looks at the incoming request to determine the best set of servers to handle it. At it’s simplest, the DNS server does a geographic lookup based on the DNS resolver’s IP address and then returns an IP address for an <EM>edge server</EM> that is physically closest to that area. So if I’m making a request and the DNS resolver I’m routed to is Virginia, I’ll be given an IP address for a server on the East coast; if I make the same request through a DNS resolver in California, I’ll be given an IP address for a server on the West coast. You may not end up with a DNS resolver in the same geographic location from where you’re making the request.</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;For this reason, VPN's and DNS changes will help some customers, but not everyone,&nbsp;&nbsp; just like I mentioned earlier.</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:25:47 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740129#M50530Hubrisnxs2014-09-06T00:25:47ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740135#M50531
<P>Even Level 3 uses DNS in it's CDN network</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P><A href="http://blog.level3.com/level-3-network/a-flawed-study-of-cdns-and-dns/" target="_blank">http://blog.level3.com/level-3-network/a-flawed-study-of-cdns-and-dns/</A></P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR />
<P>There is only one CDN provider (that I am familiar with) &nbsp;that tries to not use DNS for their Geo Locate service and they consider themselves cutting edge.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Sorry it's just how it works, you have a plethora of info and google as a resource,&nbsp;&nbsp; feel free to use it,</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<H1><A href="http://www.nczonline.net/blog/2011/11/29/how-content-delivery-networks-cdns-work/" target="_blank">How content delivery networks (CDNs) work</A></H1>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />
<P>While a performance-based view of proximity may seem inherently better, in a widely distributed CDN, this approach could toggle an end-user back and forth between several geographically close CDN clusters with disastrous results for jitter-sensitive applications<STRONG>. Level 3’s DNS rendezvous system dynamically allocates the best content source based on <EM>both</EM> DNS location <EM>and&nbsp;</EM>a real time view of performance – the system makes appropriate use of the DNS infrastructure,</STRONG> but augments it with a very intelligent real time “weather map” of Internet latency measurements … trust with verification. This, in fact, is a large part of our “secret sauce”. If I tell you how it works I will have to shoot you <IMG class="wp-smiley" src="http://blog.level3.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" border="0" alt=":)" /></P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:32:44 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740135#M50531Hubrisnxs2014-09-06T00:32:44ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740139#M50532
<P>Also feel free to read <A href="http://www.sajalkayan.com/in-a-cdnd-world-opendns-is-the-enemy.html" target="_blank"><SPAN style="color: #1020d0;">Sajal Kayan » In a </SPAN><STRONG><SPAN style="font-family: Segoe UI Semibold; color: #1020d0;">CDN</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN style="color: #1020d0;">’d world, OpenDNS is the enemy</SPAN></A><A href="http://www.sajalkayan.com/in-a-cdnd-world-opendns-is-the-enemy.html" target="_blank"><SPAN style="color: #1020d0;">!</SPAN></A></P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>He's overseas but it's the same no matter where you're at&nbsp;&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />
<H3>Conclusion</H3>
<P>Using OpenDNS or Google Public DNS may be fast in resolving the DNS, but they do not give the ideal results.</P>
<P>In the case of Global DNS providers, the IP of the original requester is not passed along to the CDN’s DNS servers so they are unable to route the user to the nearest POP.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>...</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>As you can see in the result tables above, when using OpenDNS from Thailand, trying to access static assets of Facebook, I am directed to a server in the USA whereas when using Google’s DNS i am directed to a server in Japan and when using my ISP’s DNS server I access content locally, hosted within my own ISPs network!</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>...</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P><A href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/billf" target="_blank">Bill Fumerola</A>, ex-director of network engineering at OpenDNS <A href="http://forums.opendns.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=1096#Item_7" target="_blank">confirms this problem</A> on OpenDNS forums.</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:39:44 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740139#M50532Hubrisnxs2014-09-06T00:39:44ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740153#M50533
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>Even Level 3 uses DNS in it's CDN network</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://blog.level3.com/level-3-network/a-flawed-study-of-cdns-and-dns/">http://blog.level3.com/level-3-network/a-flawed-study-of-cdns-and-dns/</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>There is only one CDN provider (that I am familiar with) &nbsp;that tries to not use DNS for their Geo Locate service and they consider themselves cutting edge.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Sorry it's just how it works, you have a plethora of info and google as a resource,&nbsp;&nbsp; feel free to use it,</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><A target="_blank" href="http://www.nczonline.net/blog/2011/11/29/how-content-delivery-networks-cdns-work/">How content delivery networks (CDNs) work</A><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><P>While a performance-based view of proximity may seem inherently better, in a widely distributed CDN, this approach could toggle an end-user back and forth between several geographically close CDN clusters with disastrous results for jitter-sensitive applications<STRONG>. Level 3’s DNS rendezvous system dynamically allocates the best content source based on <EM>both</EM> DNS location <EM>and&nbsp;</EM>a real time view of performance – the system makes appropriate use of the DNS infrastructure,</STRONG> but augments it with a very intelligent real time “weather map” of Internet latency measurements … trust with verification. This, in fact, is a large part of our “secret sauce”. If I tell you how it works I will have to shoot you <IMG alt=":)" border="0" src="http://blog.level3.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /></P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>wow - i didnt know that. That's a really stupid way to determine someone's location. at least level3 auguments that.</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:40:58 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740153#M50533merk2014-09-06T00:40:58ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740157#M50534
<P>Also see&nbsp;<A href="http://00f.net/2012/02/22/akamai-vs-public-dns-servers/" target="_blank">http://00f.net/2012/02/22/akamai-vs-public-dns-servers/</A></P>
<P>on this issue, and how OpenDNS and Google are actually trying to solve it.&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>They say</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR />
<P><STRONG>There are different ways to achieve this, but a very common one, that Akamai also relies on, <SPAN style="text-decoration: underline;">is to leverage the DNS system.</SPAN></STRONG></P>
<HR />
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>When your client wants to resolve <A href="http://www.apple.com," target="_blank">www.apple.com,</A> Akamai DNS servers are going to give different replies according to the source IP address.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>But what source IP address? Yours? Not always. What Akamai consider is actually the IP address of the DNS resolver hitting their servers. If you're using a local resolver, that's cool. Akamai will know your exact IP address, and hopefully redirect you to the closest server.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>If you're using your ISP's resolver, this is the IP Akamai will consider in order to pick the server that will process your query. The result may be the same as if you had used a local resolver. Or not. If the DNS resolver is on a different subnet, Akamai can get confused and you can be redirected to a server that actually is way off base.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>If you're using OpenDNS, Google DNS, Norton, Level 3, any other public DNS service, or any other remote DNS resolver (for example, through a VPN connection), Akamai will see the source IP address of your remote resolver, too. Nor yours.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>And the server they will redirect you to would probably be an excellent choice if you were Google or OpenDNS. But the very same server can be a very poor choice for you.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<HR /></BLOCKQUOTE>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:49:22 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740157#M50534Hubrisnxs2014-09-06T00:49:22ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740161#M50535
<P>It is a stupid way, I agree.&nbsp;&nbsp; But it's how it's always been done</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:43:33 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740161#M50535Hubrisnxs2014-09-06T00:43:33ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740179#M50537
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>I gave it in the internet phenomena link</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Back in May, <A target="_blank" href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/netflix-slow-on-verizon-or-comcast-a-vpn-might-speed-up-that-video/">Sandvine’s CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars Technica’s Jon Brodkin</A>, about why Netflix performance improves on some ISPs when using a VPN.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><P>What's clear is that <EM>somewhere</EM> in the path from Netflix servers to consumers' homes, there is congestion. It's also clear that some people have improved their own streaming video by using VPNs (virtual private networks) or third-party DNS (Domain Name System) services.<STRONG>&nbsp;(UnblockUs, mentioned above, is not technically a VPN service but it achieves a similar effect by&nbsp;<A target="_blank" href="http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/291515-how-is-unblock-us-different-from-a-vpn-service-">changing your DNS settings</A>.)</STRONG></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Routing around congestion<P>Sandvine cofounder and CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars this week about why VPN and DNS services can help relieve congestion for certain users. He also talked about the types of shady tactics both video streaming providers and ISPs could employ in their ongoing battles and how that could harm home Internet users.</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I would suggest you visit and read a web site before you promote it as a solution.&nbsp; Unblockus is a paid service that masks your location much like a VPN.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>"Bypass blocks and protect your identity online.<BR /><BR />Be in different places at the same time.<BR />Appear in Canada for one web site and<BR />in UK for another."</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://www.unblock-us.com/">http://www.unblock-us.com/</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>They even call their service a VPN if you would look at their title bar on their web page or visit:</P><P><A target="_blank" href="https://www.unblock-us.com/vpn-setup/">https://www.unblock-us.com/vpn-setup/</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>A traditional DNS server does not mask anything. Here is a good reference to read up on how DNS works:</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Once again changing your DNS server will in NO WAY masks your location like a paid VPN service or a paid <STRONG>service</STRONG><STRONG> like Unblockus.</STRONG>&nbsp; You do not need to install any software to change your DNS server.&nbsp; It is done in your router.&nbsp; Changing your DNS server to Google or Level 3 will NOT mask your identity nor will it make Netflix streaming issues disappear.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>If you want to fix FIOS Netflix bufferring issues you will need some type of paid service to mask your location and more importantly the origin of the stream.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>A traditional DNS change will NOT mask anything!</P><P><BR /><BR /></P><P>&nbsp;</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 02:49:43 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740179#M50537db9092014-09-06T02:49:43ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740181#M50538
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="24207"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>I gave it in the internet phenomena link</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Back in May, <A target="_blank" href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/netflix-slow-on-verizon-or-comcast-a-vpn-might-speed-up-that-video/">Sandvine’s CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars Technica’s Jon Brodkin</A>, about why Netflix performance improves on some ISPs when using a VPN.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><P>What's clear is that <EM>somewhere</EM> in the path from Netflix servers to consumers' homes, there is congestion. It's also clear that some people have improved their own streaming video by using VPNs (virtual private networks) or third-party DNS (Domain Name System) services.<STRONG>&nbsp;(UnblockUs, mentioned above, is not technically a VPN service but it achieves a similar effect by&nbsp;<A target="_blank" href="http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/291515-how-is-unblock-us-different-from-a-vpn-service-">changing your DNS settings</A>.)</STRONG></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Routing around congestion<P>Sandvine cofounder and CTO Don Bowman talked to Ars this week about why VPN and DNS services can help relieve congestion for certain users. He also talked about the types of shady tactics both video streaming providers and ISPs could employ in their ongoing battles and how that could harm home Internet users.</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I would suggest you visit and read a web site before you promote it as a solution.&nbsp; Unblockus is a paid service that masks your location much like a VPN.</P><P>"Bypass blocks and protect your identity online.<BR /><BR />Be in different places at the same time.<BR />Appear in Canada for one web site and<BR />in UK for another."</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://www.unblock-us.com/">http://www.unblock-us.com/</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>They even call their service a VPN if you would look at their title bar on their web page or visit:</P><P><A target="_blank" href="https://www.unblock-us.com/vpn-setup/">https://www.unblock-us.com/vpn-setup/</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>A traditional DNS server does not mask anything. Here is a good reference to read up on how DNS works:</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Once again changing your DNS server will in NO WAY mask your location like a paid VPN service or a paid <STRONG>service</STRONG><STRONG> like Unblockus.</STRONG>&nbsp; You do not need to install any software to change your DNS server.&nbsp; It is done in your router.&nbsp; Changing your DNS server to Google or Level 3 will NOT mask your identity nor will it make Netflix streaming issues disappear.</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 02:54:45 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740181#M50538db9092014-09-06T02:54:45ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740189#M50540
<P>I would suggest you visit and read a web site before you promote it as a solution.&nbsp; Unblockus is a paid service that masks your location much like a VPN.</P><P>"Bypass blocks and protect your identity online.<BR /><BR />Be in different places at the same time.<BR />Appear in Canada for one web site and<BR />in UK for another."</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://www.unblock-us.com/">http://www.unblock-us.com/</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>They even call their service a VPN if you would look at their title bar on their web page or visit:</P><P><A target="_blank" href="https://www.unblock-us.com/vpn-setup/">https://www.unblock-us.com/vpn-setup/</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>A traditional DNS server does not mask anything. Here is a good reference to read up on how DNS works:</P><P><A target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System</A></P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>Once again changing your DNS server will in NO WAY mask your location like a paid VPN service or a paid <STRONG>service</STRONG><STRONG> like Unblockus.</STRONG>&nbsp; You do not need to install any software to change your DNS server.&nbsp; It is done in your router.&nbsp; Changing your DNS server to Google or Level 3 will NOT mask your identity nor will it make Netflix streaming issues disappear.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 03:00:06 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740189#M50540db9092014-09-06T03:00:06ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740225#M50541
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="179215"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><P>I would suggest you visit and read a web site before you promote it as a solution.&nbsp; Unblockus is a paid service that masks your location much like a VPN.</P><P>"Bypass blocks and protect your identity online.<BR /><BR />Once again changing your DNS server will in NO WAY mask your location like a paid VPN service or a paid <STRONG>service</STRONG><STRONG> like Unblockus.</STRONG>&nbsp; You do not need to install any software to change your DNS server.&nbsp; It is done in your router.&nbsp; Changing your DNS server to Google or Level 3 will NOT mask your identity nor will it make Netflix streaming issues disappear.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>db909 - you need google how unblockus works. You're correct that a traditional dns wont mask you - but unblockus isn't traditional. For certain websites when you hit their dns, their dns routes you to one of their proxy servers. The proxy server fetches the data and then sends it to you. So the request appears to come from where ever unblockus's server is.</P>Sat, 06 Sep 2014 04:23:38 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740225#M50541merk2014-09-06T04:23:38ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740227#M50542
I never promoted unblocked. That was a quote from an article. O_oSat, 06 Sep 2014 04:37:56 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740227#M50542Hubrisnxs2014-09-06T04:37:56ZRe: Why are certain websites really slow unless I use a VPN?https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740731#M50564
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR /><LI-USER uid="189169"></LI-USER> wrote:<BR /><BR /><BLOCKQUOTE><P>&nbsp;</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>db909 - you need google how unblockus works. You're correct that a traditional dns wont mask you - but unblockus isn't traditional. For certain websites when you hit their dns, their dns routes you to one of their proxy servers. The proxy server fetches the data and then sends it to you. So the request appears to come from where ever unblockus's server is.</P><HR /></BLOCKQUOTE><P>That was my point.&nbsp; Telling a user to change their DNS server to fix Netflix issues is terrible advice and will not work.&nbsp; You need something that masks your identity, typically a VPN, but a paid service like unblockus, while "technically not a VPN", will work also as it too utilizes a proxy server.</P>Sun, 07 Sep 2014 14:54:14 GMThttps://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Why-are-certain-websites-really-slow-unless-I-use-a-VPN/m-p/740731#M50564db9092014-09-07T14:54:14Z